Washington Poison Center - Seasonal Topics

Seasonal

Camping
Halloween
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners
Holiday Decorations

Camping

Many of us enjoy camping in the state of Washington because of numerous health benefits including:

Exercise from hiking, swimming, and biking.
Fresh air.
Rest.
Time with friends and family.

Whether backpacking into the wilderness or relaxing in a comfortable motor home, camping can present special hazards, such as:

Carbon monoxide (can be a hazard with kerosene heaters, gasoline engines in confined areas, etc.)
Gasoline, lighter fluid, stove fuel, - hazardous with accidental ingestion, especially in children.
Ingestion of wild mushrooms, especially by adults.
Contact with toxic plants, such as, poison ivy, poison oak, and especially nettles.
Food poisoning from improperly stored food.
Contaminated stream or lake water (eg. Giardia, algae).
Insect stings and bites – mosquitoes, bees, hornets.
Snakebites (the rattlesnake is the only concern – and only in Eastern Washington).

The Washington Poison Center is only a phone call away should expert, professional advice ever be needed. Also, call before you leave on your camping trip for steps to take to prevent problems from occurring, to ensure an enjoyable, relaxing outdoor adventure!

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Halloween
Helpful hints to keep your kids safe

Before you go out:

Feed your children to help cut the urge to snack on the route.
Bring your own candy, so your children will not eat unchecked treats.
Costumes should be flame-retardant, warm and not too long.
Masks should fit properly and have large eyeholes.
Use non-toxic face paint or makeup.
If any makeup is swallowed, call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

While you are out:

If you have small children, go out before dark.
Children should be accompanied by an adult, carry a flashlight and wear flame-retardant, reflective clothing.
Put reflective tape on trick-or-treat bag.
Trick-or-treat only in familiar, well-lit areas.
Only visit homes you know.
Look both ways carefully before crossing streets.
Use crosswalks when possible and do not run from between parked cars.
Stay away from dogs or other animals.
Glow sticks and necklaces can help to illuminate after dark.
Be careful not to break or bite glow sticks (more of a choke hazard).
Give and accept wrapped candy only.

After you are home:

Carefully check all treats before allowing your children to eat them.
Only eat candy from original, unopened, and undamaged wrappers.
Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, torn, or signs or re-wrapping.

When in doubt ... throw it out!

For a list of possible shipment/manufacture occurrences, visit www.candyusa.org

print a Halloween fact sheet

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners

	Thanksgiving and other holidays are popular times for having a turkey dinner. Click here for useful tips.

Holiday Decorations

Christmas tree ornaments are not poison hazards, but a young child could choke on small parts.
Tinsel, icicles, glitter and garlands are made of plastic, aluminum or tin.
If swallowed, they are not a problem, but can be a problem in ears, up the nose, etc.
Poinsettias may irritate the mouth and the sap may irritate the skin of some people, but otherwise it really is non-toxic.
Holly berries - if a lot are eaten, may cause a stomachache – but that’s all.
Mistletoe berries - if eaten, may also cause a stomachache – but no more.
Evergreen needles are non-toxic, but their sharpness may cause discomfort. Beware of homemade Christmas tree preservatives – if consumed they may be toxic.
Artificial snow contains wax and long-chain fatty acids that are non-toxic. However, repeatedly inhaling the aerosol could cause breathing problems.
Wax candles are non-toxic – but not very tasty!
Angel hair is not poisonous, but it is made of spun glass (similar to fiberglass) and may irritate the eyes, skin or mouth.
Commercial wrapping paper and ribbon are made with non-toxic dyes.
Perfumes and colognes (popular gifts left under the tree) often contain alcohol, but, in virtually all instances, the amount consumed is too small to be a problem.

Other holiday concerns

Alcohol: Keep cocktails out of the reach of children, and adults who plan to drive.
Food poisoning: Cook and store food properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Medicines and vitamins: Watch for possible hazards brought by your guests or found in homes your children are visiting. Medicine, vitamins and other personal products found in a purse or suitcase can be very tempting to a young child or pet. Provide your guests with a safe place to keep these items.

If you have additional questions about a potential poison, please do not hesitate to call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

print a Holiday Decorations fact sheet